Freeware - Software which is distributed free by the author. Although it is available for free, the author retains the copyright, which means that it cannot be altered or sold.
valencia.cc.fl.us/lrcwest/lis2004/glossary.htm

Example of a freeware software:



Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4 moz-screenshot.jpg

Publisher - PepiMK Software


external image headline_pub_info.gif PepiMK Software
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, noticeably faster than the previous version during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.


1962_medium.jpeg

Social Issues :

The stakeholders are the individuals, the software producers and the societies. The advantages for the stake holders are that they are getting a program which is free rather than paying for an expensive software. The disadvantages might be that it may make companies who create professional software to start losing money since the people have an alternative to a free software. Feasible solutions such as this cause professional companies to create softwares good enough so that people would regardless buy their softwares. The global community is severely affected if there is a free software competeting against a professional software.

Ethical Issues :

The company that manufactures these softwares are involved. The people who update the software are accountable. Rules that apply to this situation is that the users of the program are not allowed to modify it in any way.



Done by: Atif Sattar

Back To Software Fundamentals